Senate tax reform bill headed for vote

The state Senate is expected to take a first floor vote Thursday on the Republican-led tax reform plan

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The North Carolina Senate is advancing a tax overhaul that repeals corporate income taxes without a major expansion of sales taxes.

The bill that the Senate Finance Committee endorsed Wednesday also lowers income rates and repeals local sales taxes on food. The chamber's first plan lowered rates on corporations but greatly expanded sales taxes.

Critics argue billions in tax cuts will largely benefit the wealthy and force local governments to raise property taxes to recoup lost revenue.

The sponsor of the Senate's first tax overhaul proposal said the new plan isn't true reform because it doesn't add more sales taxes for services.

Backers of the plan point to analysis that shows the state would become far more attractive to business.

The bill is expected to reach the Senate floor Thursday.

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The filing period is underway for candidates wanting to run in 2018 General Elections across North Carolina. Voters will be electing candidates in several offices, including county commissioners, school board members, district attorneys, sheriffs and members of the state house and senate. All legislative seats are up for election in 2018, along with two congressional seats.

The filing period is underway for candidates wanting to run in 2018 General Elections across North Carolina. Voters will be electing candidates in several offices, including county commissioners, school board members, district attorneys, sheriffs and members of the state house and senate. All legislative seats are up for election in 2018, along with two congressional seats.

Members of Congress send reactions to President Trump's State of the Union Address. (Source: Associated Press)

Lawmakers that represent southeastern North Carolina in Congress released statements following President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address on Tuesday night. Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, along with Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC 7th District), had comments following the president's speech. .

Lawmakers that represent southeastern North Carolina in Congress released statements following President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address on Tuesday night. Senators Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, along with Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC 7th District), had comments following the president's speech. .

Joseph Cina, a former WPD officer and NHC Sheriff's Lieutenant, says he plans to run for Pender County Sheriff in 2018. (Source: Joseph Cina)

Joseph A. Cina, who has law enforcement experience with the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, said in a news release that he plans to run for Sheriff in Pender County in 2018, to succeed the retiring Sheriff Carson Smith.

Joseph A. Cina, who has law enforcement experience with the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, said in a news release that he plans to run for Sheriff in Pender County in 2018, to succeed the retiring Sheriff Carson Smith.